Wednesday, August 31, 2011

This past week has been a good hiking week. My younger brother David joined us last week for about 7 days, and I tried to make sure he got the full experience! We tented, stayed in shelters, drank water out of "questionable" sources, cooked pasta and rice sides, climbed mountains, and enjoyed views. We felt an earthquake, hiked through a thunderstorm, and slept through the hurricane winds. All in all, a good time. Then, after spending an afternoon in Daleville, I found the perfect camping spot up on a ridge overlooking the Roanoke Resevoir and the mountains. Despite the rainclouds that rolled in, I had great views and a peaceful evening! Yesterday was yet another beautiful day. Tinker Cliffs and McAfee Knob were amazing views, and I enjoyed talking to a college group from Washington Lee at the Catawba Shelter. (They gave me apples and oranges!) And finally, after hiking 1500 miles, I saw my first bear yesterday evening. He was just walking up the trail, and I mistakenly took him at first for a dog. But he was no dog, and I'm glad to have finally seen a real live bear!

Last night, my friend Amanda picked Daniel and I up and brought us into Blacksburg for a few nights of rest. Now I remember why it's best to keep mileage under 20...my feet are swollen and my knees ache. I am looking forward to my day off! It's hard to believe that in 45 days, I will be done with this extraordinary adventure! I've got a Reunion Tour planned to visit my college friends in Indiana and Pennsylvania, and I have to find a job and become a real person. But that's a worry for another time and place. Today, I just have to relax!

Friday, August 19, 2011

I am rested up and ready to take on my last 815 miles! I head back to Virginia Sunday, and my younger brother is going to hike with me for a week. I can't wait to share some trail experiences with him! I also updated my August pictures so take a look!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Wow. Today was incredible. After successfully completing the half-gallon ice cream challenge two nights ago, Budha's dad and Butter's parents met us at the Birches, and we started our hike around 6:45 this morning. The weather was cloudy, but at times throughout the day, we saw several great views and blue sky. The climb up Katahdin was difficult but very amazing. I mean seriously amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better experience to finish up Maine. Now I have a week off for family vacation and a wedding. Then its back to Virginia. Now I'm pumped to finish the rest of my hike!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Out of the hundred mile wilderness and into Millinocket for the night. Budha's dad was great enough to pick us (Butter, Budha, Rock Monkey, and I) up and bring us into town for the night before we hike into Baxter State Park tomorrow morning. We will stay at the Birches campground tomorrow night, and by Thursday at this time, I will have climbed the mighty Katahdin! Tonight I undertake the traditional half gallon challenge, which most thru-hikers participate in when they reach the halfway point in Pennsylvania. Since my halfway point (which I reached several weeks ago) was a bit untraditional, I am taking on the challenge tonight. Pictures and updates to follow!

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

We woke up at 3 a.m. yesterday morning to hike an exhausting 31 miles into Monson in order to take a wonderful zero day. Which worked out well for us since it is currently storming. 114 or so miles until Katahdin! Give it a week and we will be there. I updated and added pictures so check out June and July!